Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Reality Changers
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 50220
City: San Diego
State: CA
Postal Code: 92165
Main Phone: 6195162222
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.realitychangers.org
Employer ID Number: 26-3757305
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/28/2023
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: College Readiness & Access for Underrepresented Youth
Project Description:

Reality Changers believes that college changes everything. Our mission is to prepare youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. Our vision is equitable and universal access to education.

In 2021, Reality Changers celebrated 20 years of impacting low-to-moderate income (LMI) youth across San Diego and especially in City Heights, where less than 14% of adults hold college diplomas.

Low income, first-generation students see and desire higher education as a way out of poverty and long term success. On average, a Bachelor’s degree increases lifetime earnings by 84%, according to The Georgetown University Center On Education and the Workforce. Our College Apps Academy program supports the most vulnerable individuals, LMI students, and gives them the training, education and support they need to get accepted and matriculate into college.

College Apps Academy guides 300 12th graders through the entire college application and acceptance process. The Academy provides weekly, small group and 1-on-1 instruction to students on college application and financial aid in addition to the resources and knowledge students need to pursue a post-secondary education. This program is seen as an expert in college admissions, financial aid, and providing tools for college success.

Students in College Apps Academy are also assigned a mentor and receive academic tutoring throughout their Reality Changers experience. The impact of the mentorship component lies in the partnership that emerges from two people unlikely to meet without such a program in place.

The goal is for 100% of students to graduate from high school and 97% to attend college. Programming takes place year-round, with the majority of the curriculum/events occurring between September – June. It is all provided at no-cost to the student and their family.

Total Project Budget: $229,265

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: SDG&E – $15,000; Bank of America – $15,000 Potential: Zable Foundation – $25,000; Conrad Prebys Foundation – $25,000; The JEM Project – $10,000; Nordson – $7,500; Americas Foundation – $25,000; San Diego Unified School District – $98,000; Neighborhood House Association – $15,000

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: San Diego County
Age Group To Be Served: 16-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Dawn
Contact Last Name: Wensel
Contact Title: Vice President, Development
Contact Phone: 619-516-2220
Contact Email: dawn@realitychangers.org